The IBM Selectric is considered to be one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century. I repair and refurbish these iconic machines to prime condition so others can use them and enjoy the Selectric "touch" that is beloved by so many.

Monday, April 13, 2015

Here's the latest machine I refurbished. This is the same one I posted about earlier with photos of the inside of the machine. It turned out beautifully and is silky-smooth and quiet.

As with all the machines I do, I completely overhauled this one with a chemical bath to clean out the dried grease and oil, all necessary parts replaced, relubricated with synthetic lubricants, new noise-reducing foam replacement and beautiful new Garnet Rose paint. Many people have never seen a Red Selectric as they weren't all that common.

Here is a type sample.

It has Dual-Pitch and Correction.

Spotlessly clean inside and out. Even in all the places only technicians see. This machine also has a new metal cycle clutch pulley. No problems with a cracking pulley in this machine - ever.

Just like new in every way. All adjustments have been checked and fine-tuned to make this machine a pleasure to type on.

It includes a NEW Dust Cover, Extra Carbon Ribbon, Extra Correction Tape and Owner's Manual.
SOLD

Friday, April 10, 2015

I took some pictures of some of the steps I take when I refurbish an IBM Selectric. This is a very labor intensive, time consuming process, but it is necessary to return a Selectric back to it's full operating potential.

First step is to strip the machine of the housing, platen, feed rolls,
motor and wiring. I then chemically wash the machine in my typewriter
washer to remove decades-old grease and oil. I then check and perform
any needed repairs and then re-lubricate the machine with synthetic oil
and grease Photos below show the machine after it has been washed.

I overhaul the motor, centrifugal clutch and switch and reinstall the motor and wiring. At every step, I check each mechanism as I go, making sure adjustments
are correct. I then test all the machine functions as well as impression
quality, selection and noise.

It's hard to photograph the mechanical reconditioning process. Rest assured, the mechanical components are thoroughly cleaned and checked and any repairs and adjustments performed as necessary. My goal is to return the machine to "Like New Condition".

Once the interior mechanism is functioning properly, I work on the parts that everyone sees. I strip the old foam out of the case and remove all the hardware and emblems to prep for repaint. I even remove the platen knobs and refurbish them by cleaning, polishing and adding new numbers on the page-end indicator as shown below..

I then put a coat of clear over the numbers to prevent them from rubbing off like the originals.

The housings are then cleaned, stripped and sanded (if necessary) and then repainted with an oil-based enamel paint. Original paint colors and texture are used to retain the original look.

All emblems, margin scale and trim is reconditioned and repainted if necessary.

This emblem has been reproduced using a scan from an original.

New noise-reducing carbon gray foam is cut to fit the machine and then attached to the interior with spray glue. Even the paper table gets a new strip of foam to reduce rattles and buzz.

The power frame assembly is then refitted to the base and more checks are performed.

The plastic dust shields that fit below the carrier are cleaned, and heat-formed to remove years of warping. The photo below shows the straightened shields ready to install.

Check out the pictures of this beautiful IBM Selectric II in Willow
Green. This is an uncommon color and is very hard to find. This is the
darker green that IBM used.

Just completely overhauled. It looks and functions just like new. It has
been cleaned in a chemical bath, high-mortality parts replaced,
lubricated with synthetic grease and oil and adjusted to factory
perfection. This machine has been completely refurbished. I strive to
make every machine as perfect and new as possible.

It comes with a NEW Dust Cover, Extra Ribbon and Correction Tape.
SOLD

About Me

I love mechanical things and have tinkered with manual and electric typewriters since my teens. I have always been fascinated by the IBM Selectric, but it was later in life that I finally got my hands on one to explore. I learned to repair/restore them and suddenly I have several of them.